Terror tunnel extension found near Gaza-adjacent Kissufim

In special operation by Gaza Division, IDF exposes hidden barrels of explosives in burrow of tunnel found last year

Yoav Zitun|Published: 10.15.13 , 12:10

During a Gaza Division operation, an extension of an explosives tunnel that was discovered a year ago was exposed in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip border, in the area of Kissufim.

In a joint operation of IDF
's Yahalom Unit (Special Operations Engineering Unit) and the Gaza
Division's engineering forces, the soldiers encountered barrels containing explosives that were hidden in the burrow. On Tuesday morning, the engineering forces carried out a controlled detonation of the burrow that was designed to eventually be part of an attack against IDF soldiers.

The scene was cleared in order to prevent possibility of terrorist activity against the forces, while neutralizing the threat. There were no injuries in the event and the Gaza Division intends to continue the initiated activity in order to uncover advanced terror tunnels and neutralize them.

(Photo: Roee Idan)

According to IDF estimates, there are still several underground tunnels that cross the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

The operation to expose tunnels is based on an innovative concept that was developed in recent months within the Gaza Division, based on experience and studying of an advanced terror tunnel that was discovered by chance in January following heavy rains.

The IDF reported that the tunnel was blown up Tuesday morning in order to destroy another one of Hamas'
terror infrastructures, and further noted that this tunnel was discovered about a year ago, when an explosives barrel that was set up in it detonated under an IDF jeep, an event in which a soldier was lightly injured.

Earlier this week, a terror tunnel from
Gaza to the border-adjacent Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha was uncovered. According to the defense establishment's assessment, the tunnel was dug in order to carry out a large-scale terrorist attack on one of the nearby communities.